The Red Cross Club at Faith Lutheran High School has been a go-to place for students interested in service, health, and community involvement. The American Red Cross alone needs to collect over 165 blood products daily in the Las Vegas Valley.
For Kathy Grant, the club’s advisor, the decision to lead the club was deeply personal. “Nora Paolos, a former student, approached me to be the advisor and I jumped at the chance because there has been a lot of cancer and heart disease in my family, so there are many members of my family who’ve needed blood transfusion,” she shared. “I’ve sat bedside and witnessed it, so I do know how important it is for people to donate blood. You don’t really realize until you’re there.”
The club organizes a variety of events that aim to make a meaningful impact. “In addition to the actual blood drives, there is an activity called RAID Cross,” Grant explained. “We’re also getting some students certified in CPR this year.” Student leaders Peter Milohnic and Bernice Huang echoed the importance of these activities. Milohnic said, “We do blood drives, humanity training, CPR certification, and just general help with things that the Red Cross needs.” Huang added, “This year we are planning a Sound the Alarm event, which helps people who don’t have fire alarms in their houses. We collect donations and put together goodie bags.” Globalization teacher at Faith Lutheran, Makayla Kosberg, said, “I donated blood to Red Cross because it helps save three lives and I want to make the world a better place. And also because the Red Cross Club is sponsored by my best friend in the entire world, Mrs. Grant”.
Grant emphasizes her role as a guiding adult in the club. “I maintain law and order. Sometimes we have too many volunteers, which is a good problem, but high school students like to be on their phones or chat. I think they need to look professional. I behave professionally. The main purpose is I’m the adult in the room and to make sure everyone is doing their jobs responsibly.”
Through Red Cross activities and training, club members gain practical skills that extend beyond high school. “We are planning CPR training for club members and hopefully get them certified,” Huang said. Milohnic noted, “That’s mostly the one [Red Cross certification] that minors can do.” For students like them, the club not only builds leadership and teamwork but also fosters a lifelong commitment to helping others. https://www.redcross.org
You can contact Peter Milohnic for information about joining the club at [email protected].
